Sen. Barbara Sharief filed legislation on Wednesday that would broaden Florida’s protective injunction laws by allowing courts to act after a single act of violence rather than requiring victims to demonstrate a pattern of repeated abuse.
The measure, Senate Bill 32, revises state statutes to replace the existing standard of “repeat violence” with “repeat or serious violence.” Under current law, a victim typically must show two incidents of violence or stalking to secure an injunction. The proposal would instead allow relief when one act results in bodily injury or when a death threat is made, in addition to maintaining the option of proving multiple incidents.
“Every Floridian deserves to feel safe,” said Sharief. “SB 32 would ensure victims have access to protection before tragedy strikes.”
The bill amends more than a dozen sections of Florida law to reflect the change, including provisions governing injunction enforcement, firearm licensing, background checks and sentencing.
Concealed carry permits and gun purchases would be restricted for individuals subject to the new category of injunction, and courts would be able to treat violations of such orders as aggravating factors in capital sentencing. It also directs law enforcement agencies to update statewide databases that track domestic, dating, sexual and serious violence injunctions.
Sharief’s measure leaves intact the separate legal grounds for injunctions tied to sexual violence or dating violence but broadens protections for people who may face isolated yet severe incidents.
The proposal takes effect July 1, 2026, if approved.
